Water Availability on Maryland Section of AT

[VSOP]

Has anyone on the forum been on the Maryland section of the AT in the last two weeks (June/July 2012) that would care to share observations about water availability? Any / all info would be greatly appreciated.

VSOP

[Canyonero]

I hiked the northern 20 miles at the end of May and water was flowing big time. Obviously it may have changed since then and hopefully someone else here has been there more recently!

[Lauriep]

The Crampton Gap Shelter spring, about 11 miles north of Harpers Ferry, was reported dry a few weeks ago. It typically dries up around July 4.

After the storm a week ago, we received a report from South Mtn. Recreation Area that the water spigot at Gathland State Park (at about 10 miles north of Harpers Ferry) was not functional. So, that means no water between Ed Garvey Shelter (7.3 north of Harpers Ferry, water .4 downhill) to Rocky Run Shelter (about 16 north of Harpers Ferry).

Laurie P.
ATC

[VSOP]

Thanks to all who responded. The intel worked out. My crew and I finished the MD section from 7/26-7/29. The spring at Crampton Gap was in fact dry so we pushed on to Gathland State Park where there was plenty of water at the spigot (which must have been repaired) next to the drink machine. Carrying water from Gathland a half mile backward and uphill wasn't judged to be a good use of our time. Crampton was the only dry stretch and it lengthened our 13mi plan to 16mi pushing us to Ed Garvey. The water run there wasn't much easier but being there made a shorter final day for us.

We started at PennMar and stopped at Raven Rocks, Pine Knob, Ensign Cowall, Rocky Run, Pogo Campsite, and Ed Garvey. Water was running at all of the springs although not very strong except at Rocky Run next to the old shelter and at Pogo.

The Crampton Gap Shelter spring, about 11 miles north of Harpers Ferry, was reported dry a few weeks ago. It typically dries up around July 4.

After the storm a week ago, we received a report from South Mtn. Recreation Area that the water spigot at Gathland State Park (at about 10 miles north of Harpers Ferry) was not functional. So, that means no water between Ed Garvey Shelter (7.3 north of Harpers Ferry, water .4 downhill) to Rocky Run Shelter (about 16 north of Harpers Ferry).

Laurie P.
ATC